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2017 Map of Island Butte

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Island Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Island Butte rises as a prominent landmark within the Beaverhead National Forest, dominating a high-altitude landscape defined by intricate drainage networks and deep-cut canyons. The topography is shaped by numerous seasonal and perennial waterways, including Sawlog Creek, Indian Creek, and Crystal Creek, which flow through the varied terrain of the Continental Divide region. To the east, Porcupine Canyon and the secluded Coyote Lake emphasize the isolation of this high-country territory.

A sparse but critical road network provides access through the forest, including Medicine Lodge Rd and Meadow Creek Rd. These routes follow the natural contours of the land, connecting the various forks of Alkali Creek and Meadow Creek. The mapping reveals the complex hydrography of the area, where headwaters for Nicholia Creek and Rock Creek emerge from the high ridges, illustrating the essential role this terrain plays as a watershed in Beaverhead County.